Rev Rachel Battershell welcomed to St Andrew's, Dearnley

Venerable Cherry Vann, Archdeacon of Rochdale; Rev Rachel Battershell; Rev Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton; Rev Ruth Jackson, Superintendent Methodist Minister for the Rochdale and Littleborough Circuit

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A packed congregation at St Andrew's, Dearnley witnessed the licensing of new vicar, the Rev Rachel Battershell on Sunday (7 May 2017).

Described by church warden Ray Milligan as 'wonderful', the service was attended by about 250 people, including church and civic dignitaries.

Collation was by the Right Rev Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton, and Induction was by the Venerable Cherry Vann, Archdeacon of Rochdale.

In the presence of the Rev Ruth Jackson, Superintendent Minister for the Rochdale and Littleborough Circuit, Rev Battershell was also authorised to serve within the local Methodist Circuit as Incumbent of the Benefice of Dearnley, Wardle and Smallbridge.

Mr Milligan said: "It was a wonderful welcome for Rachel. Church was packed, People came from all over the place. We had a fantastic floral display and we received lots of compliments about how the church looked.

"It was a lovely service, so thanks to all concerned and to all who turned up to witness the licensing.

"Rachel took charge of her first St Andrew's PCC meeting on the following night and this coming Sunday, 14 May, she will lead the worship at her first Sunday morning Sung Eucharist, starting at 9.30am.

"All are welcome to this our main service of the week, which will be followed at 12.30pm by Holy Baptism."